In Depth Tattoo Aftercare

You've just received a new tattoo. Congratulations. But now you have an open wound, the equivalent of a skin scrape and a bruise. You are now responsible for this tattoo the moment you step out of that chair and your aftercare will determine the final outcome of the tattoo. The main thing you need to focus on is keeping it clean and moisturized but there is more to it to keeping it looking good as the day you got it done.

The first day, one of two things will happen: Your artist will send you home either with plastic wrap or saniderm. The plastic wrap method is "old school." It's crudely wrapped or taped down but the point is to prevent bleeding as well as scraping up until you get home and begin the aftercare process immediately. The saniderm (second skin, tegaderm, dermshield, etc) completely envelopes the tattoo and prevents friction and bleeding from the wound. This bandage is kept on for a few days depending on your artists discretion. Personally I tell my clients anywhere between 2-4 days depending on the size of the tattoo and if its a piece with heavy ink however this opinion varies between artists. The saniderm method is widely more preferred since the wound develops plasma which helps quicken the healing process, and the bandage itself provides a barrier from outside bacteria keeping it clean. Once removed, you will not be applying this again.

Once either wrap is removed, it is vital that you begin washing with fragrance free, antibacterial soap. Fragrance free is important! The use of alcohol is necessary to attach odor to soap which is the worst thing you can apply to a fresh tattoo as alcohol is very drying. There is also belief that alcohol will dilute the ink however I will need to do more research to let you know if that is factual but regardless, alcohol is not your friend when it comes to tattoos for the drying effect. Therefore fragrance free is important. Oh and antibacterial to kill off bacteria.

After washing you will pat it dry then apply fragrance free gentle lotion. Lotion, NOT ointment. Ointment and lotion moisturize in different ways. Ointment sits on your skin and traps your natural bodys oils allowing you to moisturize yourself, while lotion inserts itself into your skin and moisturizes for you. Lotion is not as thick which allows your tattoo to breathe which will effect the ink while the ointment will now allow oxygen to reach your tattoo affecting the healing. Some artists will say ointment is fine, others wont, it is a controversy in the tattoo community but regardless they can all agree it is absolutely vital that you keep your tattoo moisturized. A dry tattoo will flake and scab easily which will cause fading and ink loss making your fresh tattoo look years older.

You will repeat the process of washing with soap and moisturizing twice a day until the tattoo stops itching and pealing.

Your tattoo will itch and peal. It is absolutely important that you do not pick or scratch at the tattoo, no matter how itchy it is. Typically when it is itchy, it means that it is dry so it is time to moisturize with freshly washed and clean hands. The last thing you want to do is rub bacteria on it so please wash your hands before moisturizing.

Besides keeping it clean and moisturized, there are other things to be mindful of during the healing process. The tattoo must stay out of the sun for a minimum of 2 months. Ideally, I would say 6-8 months but for some people that's a lot to ask for. Your skin is still technically healing months down the line. Swimming or sitting in any large bodies of water is also a critically bad move. Hot tubs, baths, pools, lakes, and ocean water are large bodies of bacteria waiting to seep into your tattoo which have an affect on the overall healing. Please reframe from partaking in either activities. The worst thing you could do is go on a beach adventure immediately after your tattoo. It's also important to note not to rub sunscreen on a fresh tattoo either. Keep it out of the sun by wearing an article of clothing on top to cover it.

To recap:

• Keep tattoo covered all the way home or until a few days

• Remove bandage in shower and wash with antibacterial soap

• Pat dry and moisturize with fragrance free lotion

• Wash and moisturize twice a day until itching and peeling stops

• Do not scratch or pick at tattoo

• Avoid direct sunlight and large bodies of water for 1-2 months

If ever you have doubts or questions, always reach out to your artist for help with your healing process.